Rachel Gaines

Rachel Gaines is an Associate Professor of Educational Psychology at the Bagwell College of Education, Kennesaw State University. Her work bridges educational theory and practical classroom application through teaching, research, and lab initiatives.

• Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from University of Texas at Austin
• M.Ed. in Secondary Education (English) from University of Massachusetts Boston
• B.A. in English from Connecticut College

Her research focuses on teacher stress and burnout, emotional regulation, online learning dynamics, and educational innovation, particularly during pandemic-era challenges. She explores:

• Teacher burnout prevention strategies
• Restorative practices in education
• Productive computer-mediated discussions
• Technology integration in teacher training
• Perspectival understanding in collaborative learning
• Equity in curriculum development

Rachel leads the Interactive Research Methods Lab, which promotes:

• Collaborative research design
• Reflective teaching practices
• Technology-enhanced pedagogy
• Professional development evaluation

Her publications analyze:

• Teacher coping mechanisms during crises
• Online discourse patterns
• Preservice teacher identity formation
• Assessment strategies for critical thinking
• Restorative disciplinary approaches
• Teacher-student partnership models